Overview
Kiroro is medium-sized resort with fantastic tree skiing and quieter than most other Japanese ski resorts.
Kiroro offers a fantastic Ski In / Ski Out destination resort hotel holiday experience for everyone.
Located 1.5 hours drive North of Rusutsu, Kiroro is close to the coast and gets a lot of the powder snow that Hokkaido is famous for.
Train, private taxi transfer and self-drive are all possible options for transport from Kiroro to Rusutsu.
Kiroro to Rusutsu Taxi
- Price: ¥3,000 to ¥30,000 per person - depending on vehicle type and number of passengers
- Transfer Time: 1.5 hour
Private Taxi Transfers are the most convenient and fastest option for transfer from Kiroro to Rusutsu with a variety of vehicle sizes offered.
Tip
- You can book a stop off at a supermarket to buy groceries for an additional charge. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation in Rusutsu and plan to cook some of your own meals, this can be really useful.
Pros
- Available 24 hours a day
- Most convenient
Cons
- More expensive than other options
Drive from Kiroro to Rusutsu
- Price: Varies by vehicle type and hire duration
- Transfer Time: 1.5 hours
If you are planning on visiting Kiroro before Rusutsu and would like to hire a car, you can do so from Chitose Airport or Sapporo city. Kiroro Ski Resort does not have any car hire options on site or close by.
The route is pretty straightforward with road signs in English but driving in January and February can be a little tricky for those without experience of driving in challenging winter conditions. Snow & ice covered roads are commonplace and visibility can be poor when snow is falling, which is not uncommon in Hokkaido!
If you are comfortable driving in these conditions, having a vehicle opens up the possibility of day tripping to Niseko or Kiroro ski resorts, off-the-beaten path Onsen (hot springs) in the area or authentic dining in Kutchan Town.
Larger 7 or 8-seater vehicles, such as Toyota Hi-Ace or Mistubishi Delica, are commonly available to book in advance and can easily transport ski and snowboard bags.
Hire vehicles are four-wheel drive, come with winter tyres already fitted (so no snow chains are required) and English language GPS can be booked.
All drivers must bring their own national driver's license and a valid International Drivers Permit to legally drive in Japan. Car hire companies will not hand over the keys without these documents.
Pros
- Flexibility to get around in the local area and day trip to other ski resorts
Cons
- Challenging driving conditions – snowy / icy roads & poor visibility
Train from Kiroro to Rusutsu
- Price: Approximately ¥1,300 per person
- Transfer Time: 2 hours
Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!
Niseko Train Station is the closest train station to Rusutsu ski resort but is a 30 minutes drive, so is not an ideal option.
The closest train station to Kiroro Ski Resort is Otaru Station. Kiroro Ski Resort offers a free shuttle bus service for the 30 minutes drive between Otaru Station and Kiroro for overnight guests.
- JR Hakodate Line: Otaru Station -> Niseko Station (90 minutes)
Niseko Station to Rusutsu Ski Resort (30 mins)
Donan Bus Company operates a bus service departing from Niseko Train Station and dropping off at Rusutsu ski resort with several departures daily.
Alternatively, you can take a local taxi from the taxi rank at Niseko Station, which will likely cost at least ¥5,000. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.
Tip
- If travelling during daylight, try and get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train as there are fantastic views out of the Sea of Japan to be had
Japan Rail Pass: For guests visiting Rusutsu as part of a longer itinerary of travel elsewhere in Japan, either side of their ski experience, a Japan Rail Pass can be a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.
- Look up winter season train timetables on JR Hokkaido
- Search Japan's train schedules using the Japan Transit Planner.
Pros
- Free if you hold a JR Rail Pass
- Least expensive option
Cons
- Indirect - the closest station to each ski resort is 30 minutes drive
- Not ideal for passengers with ski / snowboard bags
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Rusutsu Transfers
Whether you are coming from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo City, Otaru City or one of the other Hokkaido Ski Resorts, there are numerous options for the transfer to Rusutsu.
Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service
Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.
Rusutsu Accommodation
Rusutsu Resort is well serviced by two ski in / ski out resort hotels with plenty of restaurants and facilities.
Ideal for groups and families wanting an all in ski holiday experience.
Kiroro Ski Resort
Located 1 hour North of Niseko, Kiroro is another great option for those seeking a destination resort experience with the famous Hokkaido powder snow!
Kiroro Accommodation
Kiroro boasts one luxury apartment building and two fantastic resort hotels at the base of the Kiroro Ski Resort.
All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.